Personal Development at St. Mary's

Trips, Events, Experiences and Community:

The aim at St. Mary's, is that each child is taught an ambitious, broad and balanced curriculum. At St Mary's, we promote the personal and character development of all children through a wide and rich set of experiences. The opportunities offered go beyond the expected and is of high quality. The quality experiences enhance the quality curriculum on offer.
At St Mary's School we have a rich and diverse Catholic Life programme; we believe our faith permeates all we do for and with our children. Prayer, Sacramental Preparation, the lives of the Saints, SMSVC and Prayer & Liturgy are all active elements of Catholic Life. We follow the Catholic Schools Pupil Profile. We work together across all phases of the school to look at the values that come from the Gospel and teachings of Jesus.

Overview:

Here’s a detailed description of all the wonderful things children at St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School do...


A Rich and Diverse Learning Experience at St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School

At St. Mary’s, children are nurtured through a broad and balanced curriculum that promotes personal and character development. The school provides enriching experiences beyond the expected, ensuring a high-quality education that fosters academic, spiritual, and social growth.

Catholic Life and Community Involvement

St. Mary’s embraces its Catholic identity through daily prayer, Sacramental preparation, and engagement in activities that reflect Gospel values. The school follows the Catholic Schools Pupil Profile and encourages students to live out their faith in meaningful ways.

  • Mission Team – A social outreach group that participates in charitable efforts such as donating to the Black Country Foodbank and the Good Shepherd Appeal.

  • 1 Million Children Pray the Rosary – A special event uniting students in global prayer.

  • Red Wednesday Mass at St. Chad’s – Raising awareness and support for persecuted Christians worldwide.

  • Advent, Holy Week, and Easter Services – Celebrating significant moments of the Catholic liturgical year with reverence and participation.

Academic and Cultural Enrichment

Pupils at St. Mary’s engage in various academic activities designed to enhance learning beyond the classroom.

  • Michael Rosen Day – A celebration of storytelling and literacy, inspiring a love for books.

  • World Book Day & Book Swap – Encouraging reading for pleasure by sharing and discovering new books.

  • Public Speaking Competitions – Building confidence and communication skills among students.

  • International Women’s Day Art at Birmingham Museum – Promoting creativity and awareness of women’s contributions to society.

  • Maths Pupil Voice & KS2 Maths Quiz – Strengthening numeracy skills through engaging challenges.

  • Geo VR Experience Day – Using virtual reality to explore geography and history in an immersive way.

Sports and Physical Activities

Pupils at St. Mary’s participate in a variety of sports to develop teamwork, resilience, and a healthy lifestyle.

  • Football, Dodgeball, Basketball, and Cricket Competitions – Inter-school and regional tournaments fostering team spirit.

  • KS1 Gymnastics Festival & SEN Multi-Sport Competitions – Ensuring inclusivity in physical education.

  • Bikeability & Pedestrian Safety Training – Teaching essential road safety skills.

  • Chance to Shine Cricket Program – Encouraging young athletes to explore new sports.

Performing Arts and Music

The school fosters creativity through music and drama.

  • Musical Showcases & Ukulele Concerts – Giving students a platform to showcase their musical talents.

  • Christmas Show & KS2 Concert with Sovereign Brass – Spreading festive joy through performances.

  • Hobbit Panto Performance & Y6 Production – Encouraging dramatic expression and teamwork.

Outdoor Learning and Educational Visits

Field trips and outdoor learning experiences help children connect with the world beyond their classrooms.

  • Cannock Chase Gruffalo Trail & Conker’s Visit – Exploring nature and developing curiosity.

  • London Visit & Lichfield Cathedral Performance – Broadening cultural and historical awareness.

  • Hindu Temple, Synagogue, and Gurdwara Visits – Promoting respect and understanding of different faiths.

  • Frank Chapman Residential & BIG Camp Experience – Providing adventurous outdoor experiences to build resilience.

Social Responsibility and Wellbeing

St. Mary’s places a strong emphasis on pupil wellbeing, mental health, and social responsibility.

  • Young Minds Mental Health Day – Raising awareness about emotional wellbeing.

  • Anti-Bullying Week & World Kindness Day – Encouraging positive relationships and inclusivity.

  • Stewardship Squad Litter Picks – Teaching environmental responsibility.

  • School Nurse Talks (Healthy Eating, Puberty, Emotional Health) – Providing essential health education.


A School that Inspires and Nurtures

Through these diverse experiences, children at St. Mary’s grow academically, socially, and spiritually. The school’s commitment to faith, learning, and character development ensures that each child is supported in becoming a well-rounded and compassionate individual.

 

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